Breaking Point (The Order of the Elements #1)

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Breaking Point (The Order of the Elements #1)

by Jess Bowen (Goodreads Author)

4.15 of 5 stars 4.15 · rating details · 107 ratings · 25 reviews

"On our most honored of days, one that none have ever called their own, five will be born. Four will be the Masters of the Elements, fierce warriors, and with talents of immeasurable greatness."

Phoebe Johnson and Ethan Smith had everything they needed: loving parents, great friends, and admission letters to Ivy League schools they’d be heading to in the fall. If only they...more

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Published November 23rd 2010 by Omnific Publishing

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Dec 01, 2010 Lisa Sanchez rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wow! I just finished this book yesterday, and I feel like I've been on a whirlwind adventure. I will be honest and say that at first, I wasn't sure how I felt about the book. I didn't immediately connect with Ethan and Phoebe when they were still living in the mortal world. Once they journeyed to the magical realm, though (which happens quickly) I was hooked, and couldn't put the book down.

Breaking Point is a great YA romance, and contains a bevy of supernatural elements that will satisfy any fa...more Wow! I just finished this book yesterday, and I feel like I've been on a whirlwind adventure. I will be honest and say that at first, I wasn't sure how I felt about the book. I didn't immediately connect with Ethan and Phoebe when they were still living in the mortal world. Once they journeyed to the magical realm, though (which happens quickly) I was hooked, and couldn't put the book down.

Breaking Point is a great YA romance, and contains a bevy of supernatural elements that will satisfy any fan of paranormal romance. From elemental powers, to mythical creatures, the book has it all. What I enjoyed the most was the connection between the characters. To be specific, I really enjoyed the soul connection between Ethan and Lucy, and Phoebe and Dorian.

Sigh...Dorian. He comes off as an ass at first, with his strict, militaristic attitude, and cold demeanor. But, Phoebe sees past his charade when others don't and realizes quickly that shmexy boy is quite the catch. The two share a magical, soul connection that left me breathless on more than one occasion while reading. The spark between those two characters literally leapt off the page.

The same can be said about the connection between Ethan and Lucy, who I found to be an adorbale couple. Having lived in the magical realm her entire life, Lucy knows all about the soul connection she and Ethan share, but is unable to expound on it much with him because of some type of ban. This was a little frustrating for me, as I want to know what the deal is between those two ...like now! Little snippets where left throughout, but the bulk of the explanation about connection was left unanswered, most likely to be brought up again in the future books.

Phoebe is a very strong character, who I really enjoyed, for the most part. There were a few instances when she became overly bossy and rude, but given her situation, the weight of her powers and all that she'd been through, I can understand the why of her actions.

Ethan, also a strong character, struggles with self-doubt and a slight inferiority complex throughout. It was interesting to see those struggles play out internally throughout the book, and somewhat refreshing to see a strong male character flounder a bit. Bad Boy pulls it together in the end, though, and holy heck, his powers are amazing!

The rest of the cast are as interesting as the main characters, and I can't wait to see what happens to them in the future books.

Warning: There's a major cliffie at the end that had me shouting last night. My poor puppies thought I was a crazy woman. I'll now be waiting very impatiently to find out what happens. I can only hope Ms. Bowen writes fast!
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Aug 10, 2012 Carrie Ardoin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: tour, magic, other-supes, posted-on-blog

Phoebe and Ethan are about to turn nineteen. They have lived their lives in a completely average way...until the day they find out they are anything but. As it turns out, they are an integral part of a prophecy in a magical world they never imagined existed.

As Phoebe and Ethan learn more about the new world, they discover it is in peril and they may be the only ones that can save it. They will need to rely on their friends, and their own inner strengths, to stop the oppressive evil forces.

My fe...more Phoebe and Ethan are about to turn nineteen. They have lived their lives in a completely average way...until the day they find out they are anything but. As it turns out, they are an integral part of a prophecy in a magical world they never imagined existed.

As Phoebe and Ethan learn more about the new world, they discover it is in peril and they may be the only ones that can save it. They will need to rely on their friends, and their own inner strengths, to stop the oppressive evil forces.

My feelings were very mixed about this novel. On the one hand, it contained some original ideas and was a break from lots of other paranormal stories I've been reading lately. On the other hand, it suffered from a couple of problems I'll explain here.

The characters: Phoebe and Ethan are our main characters, of course. The narration is third person and shifts focus between both. I really, really like Phoebe. Once she discovered how powerful she was, she was strong, confident, and never backed down. She was outraged at what was happening in her native land, and itching to do something about it. She was also selfless and willing to do anything to help her friends. Ethan was a bit more difficult. For various reasons, he is sullen and withdrawn throughout the majority of the book. I didn't enjoy reading about how sorry he felt for himself. During the last few pages he perked up, and I won't say why but it was good to see.

The action: As I mentioned, this book is set in a magic universe where an evil regime is basically destroying all who live there. The characters in the book have special powers over the elements and also superhuman talents. But in spite of all that, there was not that much action or fighting--at least, not as much as I would have expected in such a long book. There are LOTS of training sessions, and a couple of fights with another girl training with them. This is a shame, because the action scenes were easily my favorite parts of the book. They were written expertly, and left me racing to finish each sentence.

The Romance: I'm somewhat split on this. I would have thought at the beginning that Ethan and Phoebe would end up together, but there is s great cast of supporting characters and thankfully this is not so. Ethan and Lucy's romance is sweet and develops over time. Phoebe and Dorian's romance is fiery but quick. Both are very intense. I guess I felt Phoebe and Dorian's was a little taboo. Also, I didn't love the way theirs developed in the way I did Ethan and Lucy's.

The Ending: Great, but way too sudden and left off with a huge cliffhanger. Obviously this book was the first in a series, so I am hopeful the questions will be answered in the next installment.

Finally, I felt this book was WAY too long. I skimmed over several paragraphs and pages. Too much description and exposition that was not at all integral to the story. Nevertheless, I appreciate the author's writing style and would be interested in seeing where the characters go from here.(less)

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Aug 05, 2012 Karielle Stephanie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: blog

Breaking Point (The Order of the Elements #1) by Jess Bowen
Release Date: November 1st, 2010
Publisher: Omnific
Page Count: 415
Source: Complimentary copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Phoebe Johnson and Ethan Smith had everything they needed: loving parents, great friends, and admission letters to Ivy League schools they'd be heading to in the fall. If only they knew that they were never going to reach the end of that summer--at least, not in the world they knew. A secret wa...more

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Jan 23, 2013 Kate rated it 3 of 5 stars

there were bits here and there that i didnt like as the writing didnt always flow and some of the connections between characters seemed really quick and way too easy and unrealistic. however despite this and a few errors within the writing and disconnections, i liked the book. it was an enjoyable read with a cliffhanger ending, and i enjoyed reading about their powers and how amazing pheobe was with using them. there was one girl, lucy, who i did not like as much but this along with other things...more

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Dec 22, 2010 Kerri rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a very imaginative, adventurous story filled with romance. It captured me right from the start. I do think it has the potential to get even better in future books in the series, however, there were times while reading this book that I found the pace slowed too much and got bogged down with too many feelings and not enough action. Having said that, I would still read the next book in the series to see where it goes and to see if the pace picks up now that all the details have been establ...more

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Sep 29, 2011 Kelley rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am giving this book 3.5 stars. I would have given it 4 if the writing had been improved in the beginning and the silly clichés were left out. I would have even given Breaking Point a 5 star rating and a giant bravo to Jess Bowen, if the ending had not ended so abruptly and if she had decided to leave the unicorn out of the book entirely.

I have to say in the beginning I was unhappy. Do not get me wrong the story is interesting and pulls you in but the writing starts off slightly weak. There is...more I am giving this book 3.5 stars. I would have given it 4 if the writing had been improved in the beginning and the silly clichés were left out. I would have even given Breaking Point a 5 star rating and a giant bravo to Jess Bowen, if the ending had not ended so abruptly and if she had decided to leave the unicorn out of the book entirely.

I have to say in the beginning I was unhappy. Do not get me wrong the story is interesting and pulls you in but the writing starts off slightly weak. There is too much repeating dialogue for my taste but either one of two things happened. One I grew used to the writing as the book went on. Or option number two, Bowen's writing actually improved as the book went on. I really hope and want to believe it is the later of the two so that is why it gets a 3.5 out instead of a 3.
Now to the actual story. Breaking Point starts out in our own world known to these people of the elements as the realm of non-magic (I am with you it lacks a certain creativity in the name but she makes up for it in the story itself. The two main characters are Phoebe and Ethan. They are cousins that share an important birthday. Although they don’t know it in fact they do not even know each other. They together get thrust into thee realm of magic as masters of the elements only a few days before there 19th birthday. Together they grow and learn to use their powers. They both meet love interests along the way and there is some interesting friends and people also. My favorite is Link!
There are some what the heck moments that make you flip the pages faster to get things understood, and sometimes there is too much unnecessary dialogue to try and describe things but the story and idea were enough for me to overlook and I am highly anticipating the next one in the series. Although there is no publishing date anywhere to be found so I have no idea how long of a wait I am in for. But, still I am still excited. It is a good book to read to get your mind off another series you may be impatiently waiting to be released. When the next one comes out it will really be a make it or break to moment for me but I think I will enjoy the next one and it will all have been worth it and this book can go on my list of great young adult supernatural series.
Sorry for errors. I wrote this on my nook and it was too hard to fix them at the moment. I will fix them soon on my laptop when I get the chance.
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Aug 09, 2012 Tee loves Kyle Jacobson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-summer-must-reads, atomr-book-tours, aug-2012

I would like to Thank AToMR Tours for allowing me to be a part of this tour. The YA Summer Reading Tour by Omnific is a fabulous way to get to read new and exciting reads.

Breaking Point starts out with Phoebe and Ethan. Two teenagers graduating from school who have everything they could ever ask for.They have good grades, great friends and a loving family.They both will be attending an Ivy League College in the Fall but on their 19th birthday things change drastically. Phoebe and Ethan will be...more

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Feb 10, 2011 Megan (magan bagan) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Breaking Point is Jess Bowen's debut novel, and what a debut it is. She gives us a little bit of everything: love, intrigue, action, fantasy, mystery. This was such a fun story to read and is the first book of her Order of the Elements series.

For Phoebe and Ethan, their lives have been almost perfect. They had great friends, wonderful parents, fulfilling lives and were preparing for college in the fall when it all changed. Just before their nineteenth birthday's they learned a secret their paren...more

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Jul 03, 2011 Ramplo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-review

The quick and dirty:

Beginning is a bit messy but the story straightens itself out.

Not a lot of action, it's all about the characters and relationships.

Worth adding to your (ebook) 'to be read' pile, also worth keeping an eye out for her future work.

The long and wordy:

If you want to read more on what I thought and why I said what I did in the quick and dirty, read the full post here:
http://ramplosbrokenpieces.tumblr.com...

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Jul 13, 2011 Emily Miller rated it 5 of 5 stars

Oh were to begin!! There haven't been too many book that I have read that have been able to draw me into every aspect of the storyline, feel every emotion experienced and shed tears as the characters do. Breaking Point is one of those rare jewels! I am anxiously waiting for the second book to be released. Jess Bowen has another fan!!

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Aug 29, 2012 Victoria rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, paranormal, young-adult, romance

No no no cliffhanger...Ahhhh! Just when you start getting answers the book ends :(

I wasn't sure about this story when I first started it...I thought it moved slowly and I just wasn't connecting with the characters, Phoebe and Ethan. But once they journeyed to the magical realm and started training, I was hooked.

Can't wait for book 2 in this series.

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Dec 13, 2010 Tammy rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you hate cliff hangers then don't read this book. But if you love fantasy, romance, danger and prophesies, then you need to read this. Great fantastical world, a deep intrigue to keep you wanting and characters that make you feel as if you're on the journey with them. Harry Potter meets The Golden Compass with a hint of Avatar this is a must read.

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Jun 24, 2011 Andra marked it as to-read

Shelves: can-t-wait-for-books, ya-to-read

Finally!!!! A book where the characters aren't either 16-17 or freaking 30 year olds!!! i hope it's gonna be good....please be good!!!!

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 19, 2012 Lydia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Krista, Vicky, Shannon and Kasey

Shelves: nook

Okay, this one was great! It took a little bit to get into it, but once I was in, I was hooked! This book had all sorts of good "fantasy" things in it. It also had some really great characters and banter and fights. This was a great YA/girly novel.

My only issue (and its a big one) is that it ends with a major cliffhanger, and there is no date in sight for the next book! So, I think all YA fans should read this one, but you might want to wait until more books come out. There are supposed to be 5...more

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Dec 01, 2011 Kyla rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-novels, fantasy-paranormal

I wasn't sure that I would like this book, since I had to go through the trouble of ordering it since chapters doesn't have it, I was already in a sour mood. This is one of those books that once you pick it up, you just cant put it down. Phoebe and Ethan have recently just turned 19 and the world around them is changing, but not like normal high-school graduates. The are forced to leave there family behind so they can learn how to use there powers to help save another world. I can't wait to read...more

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May 16, 2012 Sally marked it as to-read

want to read, have not read yet

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Feb 16, 2012 Michelle [Helen Geek] marked it as to-read

$7 for Nook on 02/16/2012

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Sep 28, 2011 Janell rated it 5 of 5 stars

It started off a bit slow, but even still it kept me turning the pages in anticipation of the greatness I was hoping of. Once the book picked up, I found myself completely in love with every aspect of the story and the heartwarming friendships of the main group of characters. The only real flaw I felt was the lack of depth of the love stories. I would have liked to see a little more of the everyday love, but I am a hopeless romantic so oh well. Overall I loved the story, great promise for what I...more

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Dec 19, 2010 Alice Clayton rated it 5 of 5 stars

on page 212 of Breaking Point

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Jun 19, 2011 Jena rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite-boys, favorites

After being pushed to read this by my awesome, bestie Alexis, I fail to understand why this book has such few reviews. This book was absolutely amazing. I loved every aspect of it. It had everything I was looking for, and I am in dire need of the next book. Needless to say I will be going into book depression now that I've finished it. Haha!

So... thank you ALEXIS <3 and Every one else.... GO BUY THIS NOW. Seriously, you will not regret it.

-- full review to come soon --

1 like · like · see review

Dec 15, 2010 MissHavoc {Cry Havoc! Reviews} rated it 4 of 5 stars

looking forward to reading this, sounds amazing!

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Apr 25, 2011 Mechele Raleigh rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mecheles-reviews

You can read my review at readforyourfuture.net

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Nov 03, 2011 Kristin rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book!! I can't wait the til the second is out!! I am on the edge of my seat waiting!!

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Apr 25, 2011 Read for your future! rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-by-mechele

Please read Mecheles review at:
http://www.readforyourfuture.net/Brea...

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Oct 23, 2011 Carol Oates rated it 5 of 5 stars

A great read. Thoroughly enjoyable.

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May 20, 2013 Katie Harrison marked it as to-read

May 17, 2013 Aoife Louise marked it as to-read

May 15, 2013 Maisha marked it as to-read

May 14, 2013 Kv marked it as to-read

May 13, 2013 Megan marked it as to-read

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About Jess Bowen

Jess was born in sunny, southern California. How her home base is now West Virginia, she’s still not sure. She spent several years moving along the southern states before landing in West Virgina when she was seven and she’s been there ever since. She started writing when she was fifteen, sure then it was all love letters to her boyfriend at the time, but they were works of art…that are hopefully n...more Jess was born in sunny, southern California. How her home base is now West Virginia, she’s still not sure. She spent several years moving along the southern states before landing in West Virgina when she was seven and she’s been there ever since. She started writing when she was fifteen, sure then it was all love letters to her boyfriend at the time, but they were works of art…that are hopefully now all burned in some cleansing ritual.

Since then she spent time off and on going through writing phases and reading books like they were going out of style. After having her first child and being couped up at home with a baby that never slept, she found her writing again and Breaking Point was born. It took several drafts and lots of long nights and re-writing, but she couldn’t be more proud (and bloody, freaking nervous!!) about the finished product and the next four books to come in the Order of the Elements Series. She wouldn’t be here without family and friends who tell her to shut the heck up when she starts whining and she’s thankful for every single one of them.

Jess believes that imagination and escape from reality is essential to life and there’s no better place to find that than in a good book or stretching those writing feathers of your own.

She also believes that Supernatural is the best show on earth and mirrors are evil. But that’s a matter for another time.

Now that I’m done talking about myself in third person, let’s get down to it. I’m scatterbrained, spontaneous, I’m probably certifiably insane, perpetually ridiculous and ninety percent of the time I’m pretty okay with that. When my kids are otherwise occupied or sleeping and I’m not spending time at work as a nurse, I’m a writer. Breaking Point is my baby (now that my real life babies aren’t really babies anymore) and I’m its worst critic. It’s gone through several revisions to become the version you will/are/may not read. The very first draft of the very first chapter of Breaking Point was so bad I still laugh about it to this day and I wrote it about three and a half years ago. In my defense, I was delirious with sleep deprivation when I started it due to children who decided I was better off without sleep. Despite the effect lack of sleep may have had on my sanity, I really do thank them for giving me the drive to write again.

What about this book do I love? Surprisingly, it’s not the fantasy elements, not the world I’ve created, it’s the characters. The emotional journey they go on more than anything else is what drives me to write this book and it’s sequels. They interest me, and these characters may be of my own creation, but any author will tell you that when you sit down to write, you never know what your characters could do to surprise you. Mine tend to do that to me a lot, sometimes they make me mad and other times they have better ideas than I do.

I sincerely hope that this journey is one you can enjoy with me, because I’m not done having fun yet! (less)

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Quotes from Breaking Point

“Darkness is the absence of light. Happiness is the absence of pain. Anger is the absence of joy. Jealousy is the absence of confidence. Love is the absence of doubt. Hate is the absence of peace. Fear is the absence of faith. Life is the absence of death.” — 19 people liked it

“I won't say anything, but you should tell them. It's not weakness to admit you're not perfect.” — 8 people liked it

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Breaking Point (The Order of the Elements #1)

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